Karrion Kross was unexpectedly released from WWE on August 10, 2025, a move that surprised many within the wrestling community. Despite this setback, both Kross and his wife Scarlett remain deeply involved in the wrestling world, voicing their eagerness to secure new opportunities and continue their careers together. The pair has openly expressed frustration over their WWE tenure ending abruptly, with storylines left unresolved and potential untapped.
The Final Testament Faction’s Rise and Fallout
During his WWE career, Karrion Kross led The Final Testament, a faction formed in mid-2023 that projected a dark, ominous aura. Alongside Scarlett, the faction included the tag team Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) and was managed by WWE veteran Paul Ellering. The group was widely seen as a spiritual successor to The Wyatt Family, capturing a similar vibe of mystique and menace. However, by February 2025, WWE had ceased promoting the faction, fragmenting its members across different storylines and effectively ending the group without fanfare. While there were brief moments of attention on television, The Final Testament failed to reach the prominence many anticipated.
Paul Ellering Criticizes WWE’s Handling of The Final Testament
In a recent discussion on THE HANNIBAL TV, Paul Ellering reflected on the trajectory of The Final Testament faction, commending the chemistry between Karrion Kross and Scarlett but denouncing the WWE’s creative decisions. Ellering highlighted missed opportunities for the faction to flourish and expressed disappointment that the faction never received the momentum it deserved.
“No, I didn’t think it did either… I thought the writers could have done more with it. There was a lot to do, especially with The Wyatt Family, and the timing was right. It just never got the push that it deserved, and Karrion (Kross), he’s a tremendous talent, very good on the mic, and Scarlett and him make a good combination, great pair and they’ll do well in the business no matter what they do, because there’s a lot of talent there,” he said.—Paul Ellering
Karrion Kross Expresses Desire to Return to WWE
Following his release, speculation circulated that Karrion Kross and Scarlett’s departure might have been a planned storyline angle. However, Kross clarified on The Ariel Helwani Show that their exit was authentic, not scripted. During the interview, he revealed his dissatisfaction with the situation while affirming his wish to come back to WWE alongside Scarlett and continue delivering entertainment to fans.
“I would prefer to go back home with my wife and let’s give people what they want. Home meaning WWE. Despite the fact it’s been frustrating, I still want to go back.” —Karrion Kross
Ongoing Wrestling Landscape and Related WWE News
While Karrion Kross’s situation remains uncertain, the wrestling world continues to evolve with notable developments. Drew McIntyre has publicly praised artist Jelly Roll, critiquing the WWE roster in the process. Meanwhile, a significant AEW star has made a comeback on Collision after a three-month recovery from injury. WWE also plans to bring AAA events back to the United States before the year’s end, expanding their collaborative reach.
Other WWE storylines have seen shifts as well. An ex-WWE star shared a sarcastic backstage encounter with Shane McMahon, and a major Randy Orton storyline was scrapped for undisclosed reasons. Drew McIntyre recently launched a pointed personal attack on Cody Rhodes during a WWE SmackDown appearance, indicating ongoing rivalries and tensions within the company. Meanwhile, Karrion Kross has not gone unnoticed by fans, who have chanted “We want Kross” during WWE events, signaling continued interest in his return.
Implications for Karrion Kross and WWE’s Creative Direction
The handling of the Karrion Kross WWE faction mishandling illustrates broader challenges WWE faces in sustaining impactful storylines, especially those following the legacy of influential groups like The Wyatt Family. The abrupt end of The Final Testament and the separation of its members exposed a missed chance to build a compelling narrative that could have elevated several talents. Kross’s openness about his frustrations and hope for a comeback forefront the potential for WWE to reintegrate established performers while addressing creative criticisms. Fans and industry watchers will be closely observing whether WWE responds to the demands for Kross’s return and how the company will capitalize on these unresolved story arcs going forward.
